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Group Counseling
In group counseling, anywhere from three to ten students meet with either one or two counselor(s). Typically group meets once a week for 1 1/2 hours and members talk about a variety of issues. Group members have the opportunity to share information about themselves and provide feedback to other group members.
Why am I being referred to group counseling and how does group work?
Group referrals are made if the counselor feels the person could benefit from a group setting. Students who are currently in individual counseling can continue to see their counselor while attending group sessions.
The group is able to give support and offer an environment where new behaviors are learned. People in a group begin to see they are not alone or entirely unique in their problems.
If I do share personal information with the group, how can I trust that it will be kept confidential?
The issue of confidentiality is an important one that is addressed in the first group session and reiterated after that. Group members are asked to make a commitment to protect each other's confidentiality by agreeing not to divulge details which would identify others outside of group. While we at Counseling Services cannot provide you an absolute guarantee of confidentiality since we cannot control every group member, our experience shows that group members respect each other's privacy because they want their privacy respected just as much as you do.
Some issues do not remain confidential whether you are being seen in group or individual counseling and are based on the issue of protection. If someone appears to be planning harm to self (suicide), harm to others (homicide), reports or is abusing children or dependent adult individuals, the counselor is contractually, ethically and morally bound to break confidentiality in order to provide individuals the assistance they need.
What do I actually do in the group?
Letting the group know why you initially came to Counseling Services and sharing what you hope to gain from the group is a good place to start. If you need support, let the group know. If you think you need to be confronted, let the group know that, too. It is sometimes helpful to think of the group as a laboratory in which you can experiment with new ways of thinking, feeling, or relating to others.
How much you choose to talk about yourself and participate in group is ultimately up to you, but the more you share and interact, the more likely you are to feel better. We have found that people who benefit most from group accept a sense of responsibility for making the group work by sharing their concerns and speaking up when they have reactions to issues as well as to other individuals in the group.
I can't imagine what it would be like to tell a room of people about my problems. Aren't people too afraid or uncomfortable to really talk in group?
When you meet people for the first time it is hard to know what to say and how much to trust them. Trusting is a process that develops as group members take risks and share information about themselves. It helps to remember that groups are usually small and other group members may be struggling with some of the same concerns as you. Letting the group know you are uncomfortable can be a first step. What is asked is that you make a commitment to being in group and that you be willing to open up as you feel comfortable.
What will be expected of me?
- If you are going to miss a session, please let the group leaders know in advance.
- We ask that you give group a chance, but if you decide the group isn't appropriate for you, please discuss your concerns with the group leaders.
- It is your responsibility to talk about your reasons for being in the group and to let the group know what you expect from them.
- You are expected to respect the confidentiality of the group.
What is the role of the group leader?
The group leaders facilitate productive functioning within the group. To do this they will encourage group members to interact with each other. Group leaders may point out common themes, give feedback to individuals or the group as a whole or offer support or confrontation as needed. They try to provide enough structure so the group doesn't flounder, but enough freedom so the group accepts responsibility for itself. The leaders respect the confidentiality of the group and make every effort to create a safe group environment.